Two stone alabastra



Two stone alabastra

Λ6128, Λ6129
Alabastron
Intact. One rim is mended
Height: 17 / 15.5 cm. Rim diameter 5.2 / 5 cm.
Chersonissos
Hellenistic period:
350-300 BC:
Gallery:
XXII
Case:
218
Exhibition thematic unit:
Classical - Hellenistic - Roman period (5th c. BC-4th c. AD). The Cemeteries
Reflections of life in the scenery of death
Description
Two alabaster alabastra from the tomb of a wealthy woman. They are plain in shape but variegated, thanks to the veins in the alabaster, and luxurious, due to the cost of the raw material and their production. They differ slightly in size, and therefore capacity, and in their slender, almost cylindrical body. They were intended for the storage and transportation of products at increased risk of evaporation, most likely small amounts of valuable perfumed oils and unguents. The stoppers for their narrow necks, probably of organic material, have not survived. Although alabastra are generally thought to come from Egypt, in this case they may be locally produced; not only is alabaster available in Crete, but the island also has a long tradition of stone-carving.
Bibliography:
A. Chaniotis - K. Galanaki, Χερσόνησος. Κτερίσματα της Ελληνιστικής Περιόδου, Χερσόνησος 2006. 31,40. N. Stampolidis - I. Fappas (eds), Κάλλος. Η υπέρτατη ομορφιά, Athens 2021, 579, no. 165. Parallels: L. Parlama - N. Stampolidis, Η πόλη κάτω απο την πόλη. Ευρήματα από τις ανασκαφές του Μητροπολιτικού Σιδηροδρόμου των Αθηνών, Athens 2000, no. 352.
Author:
K. S.


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